Star man Balotelli is mobbed by his City teammates after coming on as a substitute and hitting the crucial opening goal in the 2-0 win against Everton on Saturday

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Totally nuts... but utterly brilliant! James Milner says the popular perception of City ace Mario Balotelli is spot on. And that the Blues are all the richer for it.

The 20-year-old, who has made more headlines for his crazy stunts off the pitch than he has for his undoubted talent on it, showed everyone the good side by going on as a substitute and helping City end their Everton jinx with a 2-0 victory on Saturday.

And Milner, who sealed the points with the second goal, said with a smile that the outside perception of Balotelli as a slightly unhinged genius is just about right.

“It’s pretty accurate,” said Milner with a grin. “He is a top-quality player, and you saw that on Saturday.

“You need those characters around the dressing room.

Quality

“But people sometimes forget how young he is, and he has done a lot in the game already.

“You can see his quality every time he comes on.

“He came off the bench, only needed half a chance and took it.

“And it wasn't an easy finish. It shows the quality he has. He is a massive part of this squad.”

Balotelli has also been portrayed by some sections of the media as an unhappy, pouting, sulking youth – but that is not part of his make-up, insists Milner.

The player has not been happy at being left on the bench as Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero have started the season in goalscoring style.

But he has now scored two in two after his strike in the Carling Cup win over Birmingham last week – and showed his understanding of the situation by hugging manager Roberto Mancini and flashing a rare grin after his opener against Everton.

“I don't think anyone is happy when they are not in the team,” said Milner. “That is what you want.

“But Mario hasn't shown it. He trains hard every day and goes about his business like everyone else does.

“You try to get in the side and when you get a chance, try to take it.

“He has not stepped out of line or shown his disappointment in any way.

“He is a great finisher, as we saw on Saturday. He only needs one chance and will put it away.

“He came off the bench and did what you want a substitute to do – make an impact.”

Balotelli’s squad ethic applies to the whole group these days, says Milner, despite one or two Everton players trotting out the old cliche before the game of how money can’t buy you team spirit.

Said Milner: “From the squad of players we have, we have obviously got good players but good people as well. We have a very tight bunch.

Daft

“Everyone gets on, and we have a good team spirit, which is massively important when you get some tough times in a season.”

Mancini was also delighted with his young prodigy, but admits it can be hard work trying to keep a lid on some of his daft behaviour.

“It is not easy!” he said with a laugh. “With Mario it is never easy.

“But I know him very well and I know he is a fantastic guy.

“I want him to work well all the time, in every training session and in all the matches, because he has everything.

“He has the technical ability, he is strong, he shoots very well and can score with his head.

“He needs time but he can become one of the top players, if he understands that he needs to work.

“We should put in our mind that Mario is young.

“Young guys can have different behaviour. But he is happy here and I am sure that this year he could be an important player for us.

“He has worked well in the last few weeks but hasn’t played.

“This time he deserved to play for half an hour and decided the game.”

Milner himself returned from injury, after suffering concussion and a gashed head against Wigan.

But revealed it was a rib injury he picked up in the same challenge which saw him miss the Napoli and Fulham games.

And the England international admitted he is still not 100 per cent.

“Ribs take a while to fix and they are a bit sore,” said the midfielder.

“The physios are doing a great job patching me up and getting me out there.